USF Practice Report from Toronto

Posted Dec 30, 2009 by Scott Carter

Updated Dec 30, 2009 at 02:27 PM

USF’s first practice inside the Rogers Centre concluded a little while ago.

USF played inside Tropicana Field a year ago in the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl, so playing in a dome is not a huge deal for most of the players.

Senior LB Chris Robinson was impressed by the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.

“This seems a lot bigger than Tropicana Field,’’ Robinson said. “I’m just glad we’re playing indoors.’‘

Here is a quick rundown of the buzz at practice today:

** The Bulls are concerned about Northern Illinois’ running game; USF coach Jim Leavitt has talked highly of the Huskies ever since it was learned they would be USF’s opponent in the International Bowl, but his concerns were amplified some by Wisconsin’s win over Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl on Tuesday. Northern Illinois nearly beat Wisconsin, and Miami won easily over the Bulls.

** Reserve WR Evan Landi was a popular figure with the Canadian media since he has played some hockey in the past. The big news story Wednesday was the announcement of Canada’s Olympic team.

** Talked to Mo Plancher about the bowl and his hopes of it not being his last.

** Also, Chris Robinson envisions playing in the CFL one day. I’ll share some of his thoughts later in my notebook.

** Finally, Matt Grothe is with the team in Toronto but is not practicing. Someone had emailed saying they saw a No. 8 in USF’s photo gallery at yesterday’s practice and thought it was Grothe. However, it was not, but rather a scout-team player wearing that number. Grothe continues to rehab but just recently started jogging on land after doing most of his running in the pool the past month.

I’ll check back with a more complete report later.